Scared of Mounjaro

[LucilleBoil177]

Long time Mumsnet lurker, but this is the first post I've put up in ages, I'm hoping some of you will be able to help! I think this might be a long one, sorry. I need to lose about three stone, I'm late 40s, BMI is in the obese range. I don't know how I got here. I was always fairly slim as a youngun, but two kids, perimeno and a covid lockdown or two later, I now look like I've been pumped up. It's a cliche but I can't remember seeing my feet properly, getting up from the floor is a struggle, and my joints, particularly my foot, absolutely kills me. I NEED to lose weight. I've tried keto, slimming world, WW, fasting, all of them. Nothing works. I am built like a brick sh*thouse. I want to try mounjaro but I'm scared for two reasons.
First, about ten years ago I was told I have a couple of gallstones. At the time, I had horrible symptoms off and on, eggy burps, churning stomach, occasionally would be sick. I know they don't magically disappear, but I haven't had any of those symptoms for about eight or nine years. But I'm obviously still a bit worried this might mean I'm seriously ill on mounjaro. But then I think about how I'm probably heading for a raft of illnesses and problems as I age anyway? It's a real balancing act, a judgement call, and I'm clueless about the answer.
Secondly, this is a bit weird but maybe someone can relate. I'm surrounded by thin people, particularly other mums and also my in laws, who are naturally very slim and virtuous and have never left a hill or mountain unclimbed. They live a long way away, but everytime I see them I feel as though they are looking me up and down, slightly checking out how much weight I've put on (they have said stuff in the past so I'm not totally imagining it). They are very opinionated. Same goes for some of the other mums - I don't see them often but always feel like they are looking at me and contenting themselves with the fact that I'm getting bigger. Consequently, I feel like I'm sort of hiding behind my weight, or in it. And yet at the same time, I absolutely hate it. I think about it all the time. I'm sure a psychologist would have a field day.
Anyway, sorry for the long post, and I know that no one can give me proper medical advice etc. I just wondered if anyone can relate to any of this. My finger has hovered over the buy button for mounjaro several times, but I can't get over the scared feeling. Thanks

1. you may or may not qualify with a history of gallstones - you'll only know if you apply.

2. who gives a fuck what other people think? You don't need to tell anyone.

3. see that psychologist or counsellor as well. Invest in your mental as well as your physical health.

Mounjaro can increase the risk of gallstone issues especially if you already have stones. The risk is higher with rapid weight loss, not the medication itself. Being honest, all of us here are/were obese, from poor diet and yoyo dieting and it is likely quite a few of us have undiagnosed gallstones.

It doesn't mean Mounjaro is not appropriate, but because you have had issues with yours in the past and they have been confirmed you absolutely need to seek medical advice from either your own Dr or one of the more supportive pharmacies.

From what I have read on here the cheaper/high volume providers like Medexpress will reject for any gallstone or complex medical history. Some private pharmacies will do a video consultation with you to discuss before deciding if they will prescribe to you, I would start there being completely transparent with your history.

There is a list of GPhC registered safe providers at monj.co.uk. I use Oushk who tend to be, not the cheapest but, quite supportive. If you do order there are always discount codes available so check them out, I think they do £30 off for new customer.

As you have been symptom free for so long, it sounds promising that you could be accepted and advised to keep to slow/moderate weight loss, low fat, and stay hydrated to not exacerbate any gallstones further.

Depending on how supportive your GP is could you ask for a scan to see if your gallstones have changed or worsened in the last 8-9 years and if they would support monitoring them while you buy Mounjaro privately?

As for the psychological side of it, being obese kills your self esteem and the impact of the judgement (real or imagined) of others is real. You are not alone.

I would say about the judgement of others... what other people think of what you look like is the least important factor in making decisions about your health and wellbeing. It should ideally be of no importance whatsoever. Why let these unkind people affect such important decisions that directly affect your health?

If you don't see them often, then it's not a factor at all. Do what's right for you, and if anyone says anything to you, I wouldn't bother getting into any discussion about weight or weight loss. Just a noncommittal minimal response and then change the topic.

What I have found whilst being on Mounjaro (40 weeks now), is that I don't think negative thoughts constantly about my weight all day like I used to. I have goals, I think about how to achieve them, and I get on with that. It's very freeing.

Thank you everyone for taking the time to reply, I really appreciate it. It's good to have some idea of how to progress. And yes, you're all totally right - who gives a monkeys what they all say. It's nothing to do with them. I will try to keep that mindset ♥️

Oushk will likely prescribe for you with gallstones and ask you to keep an eye on things.

I have no gallbladder and have been on MJ since November. I’ve lost 2 stone and now at a healthy BMI.

Thanks so much